Ja^es    .  . 


' 


otfli6 

Of 

Columbia 


A 

JUNIOR 
REPUBLIC 


-BY 


IAMES  E.  ROGERS 


STATE  OF  COLUMBIA 


A  JUNIOR  REPUBLIC 


-BY — 


JAMES  E.  ROGERS 


MCMIII 


The   Recorder  Press 

San  Francisco,  Cal. 

1903 


oo 


STATE  OF  COLUMBIA 

A  JUNIOR  REPUBLIC 


>H  The  Columbia  Park  Boys'  Club  of  San  Fran- 

Si:  cisco,  situated  at  318  Seventh  Street,  is  an  edu- 

g*  cational  institution,  well  known  by  its  success- 

ful experiment  among  boys  of  the  immediate 

crowded  neighborhood. 

The  members  enjoy  the  privilege  of  a  large, 

splendid  club-house,  artistically  decorated  and 

CD          furnished  with  all  necessary  material  and  para- 

phernalia essential  to  the  carrying  on  of  the 

club  work.     Here  the  boys  appreciate  the  use 

cvj          of  a  splendid  library,  play-room,  meeting-room, 

m          large  assembly  or  lecture-room,  gymnasium,  mil- 

itary   armory,    work-rooms,    where    they    are 

taught  different  occupations,  and  a  printing  of- 

fice.    Chorus,  band,  athletics,  outings,  and  en- 

P*         tertainments  are  a  few  of  its  many  auxiliary 

0£         energies.     This  club  puts  particular  stress  on 

v+         the  value  of  the  human  unit;  its  organization, 

M        thought,  and  effort  are  directed  towards  giving 

the  fullest  impetus  to  the  faculties  and  powers 

within  the  boy  himself.     While  endeavoring  to 

supply  him  with  healthful  and  elevating  influ- 

£        ences,  it  also  makes  it  a  main  thought  to  draw 

out  in  a  boy's  growth  and  development,  all  hia 

^        abilities  and  talents,  that  he  may  be  enabled 

to  give  the  fullest  possible  expression  to  his  own 

personality. 

The  summer  vacation  schools  of  this  club  is 
the  appellation  of  the  country  trips  this  organ- 
ization has  taken  regularly  during  the  summer 
months  of  past  years.  A  brief  general  outline 
of  the  summer's  work,  as  achieved  by  the  club, 
may  be  of  interest  to  the  reader.  A  list  of  these 


244552 


annual  outings  are  here  enumerated  and  may 
compare  with  the  undertakings  of  the  famous 
Sierra  Club  of  this  State. 

Summer  1898.  Stockton  to  Calaveras  Big 
Trees  and  return. 

Summer  1899.  Stockton  to  Yosemite  Valley 
and  return. 

Summer  1900.  San  Francisco  to  Monterey 
and  return. 

Summer  1901.  San  Francisco  via  Santa 
Rosa  Valley  to  Lake  County,  returning  by 
Napa  Valley. 

Summer  1902.  Stockton  to  Yosemite  Valley 
and  return. 

The  distance  of  these  trips  was  generally  from 
150  to  250  miles,  and  the  average  number  of 
miles  covered  daily  by  the  boys  twenty-two. 
The  lads  who  participated  in  these  outings 
ranged  from  the  ages  of  ten  to  fifteen,  and 
walked  every  foot  of  the  way,  creating  quite  a 
reputation  on  the  route  by  their  well-rendered 
club  songs  and  acts. 

Summer  1903.  This  summer  a  party  of 
eighteen  boys,  ranging  between  the  ages  of  ten 
and  fifteen,  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  S.  S. 
Peixotto,  tramped  from  San  Francisco  to  Eu- 
reka and  back  to  Pt.  Arena,  a  distance  of  about 
540  miles.  A  double-horse  team,  driven  by  the 
cook,  in  which  was  packed  the  necessary  provi- 
sions, followed  the  boys,  who  walked  on  ahead. 
The  boys  made  their  requisite  twenty  miles  a 
day,  besides  attending  manfully  to  their  many 
arduous  camp  duties. 

In  the  year  1902  it  was  the  united  opinion  of 
those  persons  interested  in  these  summer  out- 
ings, that  the  privilege  of  a  summer's  vacation 
should  be  extended  to  a  larger  proportion  of  the 
two  hundred  club  members,  the  walking  trips 
being  limited  to  from  six  to  twelve  boys.  The 


only  feasible  alternative  at  that  time  was  the 
proposition  that  the  boys  support  the  experi- 
ment themselves;  therefore,  it  became  necessary 
that  some  means  be  devised  whereby  those  boys, 
who  would  otherwise  be  deprived  of  this  benefit, 
might  have  the  same  opportunity.  This  ques- 
tion gave  rise  to  an  idea  that  solved  the  problem. 
Arrangements  were  made  with  a  number  of  fruit 
ranchers  for  the  employment  of  the  boys  during 
the  fruit  season.  Consequently,  these  boys 
went,  not  as  recipients  of  charity,  but  in  the 
spirit  of  independent  American  lads,  determined 
to  fully  prove  their  worth  and  loyalty  to  their 
organization.  This  they  did,  as  shown,  by  the 
kind  letters  of  appreciation  received  from  the 
orchardists. 

The  ' '  State  of  Columbia, ' '  the  first  Junior  Re- 
public established  in  California,  was  thus  suc- 
cessfully organized.  The  experiment,  composed 
of  forty-five  boys,  was  situated  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Vacaville,  Yolo  County,  on  a  large  fruit 
ranch,  where  the  boys  were  employed  during  the 
day.  This  enabled  them  to  pay  their  expenses 
and  earn  money  besides.  One  boy  made  twenty- 
one  dollars  clear  for  two  and  a  half  weeks'  work, 
and  the  average  amount  per  boy  was  ten  dollars, 
clear  of  expenses.  The  total  earnings  of  the 
camp  was  four  hundred  dollars,  while  the  ex- 
penses of  the  month  amounted  to  two  hundred 
and  ten  dollars.  This  camp  differed  from  the 
majority  of  ordinary  outings.  Its  unique  feat- 
ure was  that  it  combined  the  pleasures  of  camp 
life  with  the  beneficial  instruction  of  a  Republic. 
This  camp  stood  for  more  than  a  mere  outing, 
for  it  had  its  serious  and  educational  atmosphere. 
It  offered  suggestions  to  the  many  institutions, 
that  are  sending  away  thousands  of  boys  every 
year  to  the  country.  Let  the  month  in  the  coun- 
try mean  more  than  a  month  of  leisure  and  fun, 


while  you  have  the  opportunity.  Some  of  the 
most  pleasant  and  memorable  incidents  of  the 
Club  in  after  years  are  the  exciting  and  interest- 
ing stories  of  these  vacation  camping  trips. 

The  second  annual  Junior  Republic,  composed 
of  fifty  boys,  under  the  direction  of  the  writer, 
was  successfully  established  during  the  past  sum- 
mer, at  Glenwood,  Santa  Cruz  County.  The 
idea  of  the  boys  supporting,  by  their  own  effort, 
the  expenses  of  the  Republic  was  no  doubt  orig- 
inal and  interesting,  but  experience  had  proven, 
that  a  month  of  hard  work  could  not  be,  in  re- 
ality, a  pleasant  outing.  Therefore,  this  year's 
project  was  conducted  on  a  different  basis.  For 
a  month  previous,  the  anticipation  of  the  com- 
ing trips  caused  a  sudden  spread  of  infinite  de- 
lights and  beautiful  dreams  among  the  boys. 
Deeply  appreciative  of  my  responsibilities,  I 
planned  most  carefully  the  details  of  the  camp, 
endeavoring  in  every  way  to  improve  upon  my 
previous  year's  experience. 

Preparation  and  a  common  understanding  be- 
ing essential,  the  first  step  therefore  was  to  as- 
semble and  organize  the  youths  selected,  as  the 
members  of  the  camp-to-be.  A  number  of  meet- 
ings were  held  with  the  boys,  weekly  and  daily, 
in  which  all  matters  and  details  of  the  camp 
were  discussed  and  arranged.  Elections  were 
held,  laws  enacted,  instructions  in  government 
given,  and  announcements  made.  Thus,  all  the 
preliminary  work  of  organization  was  accom- 
plished at  the  club-house  months  in  advance. 
By  this  method  an  intelligent  and  definite  idea 
of  the  trip,  its  purposes  and  needs,  was  grasped 
by  the  boys,  who  were  thereby  prepared  to  cope 
with  the  various  and -perplexing  conditions  and 
problems  of  camp  life. 

A  month  was  devoted  to  equipping  this  project 
with  all  necessary  paraphernalia  and  material. 


The  question  of  equipment  and  financial  sup- 
port demanded  constant  activity  and  thought. 
Through  the  kindness  and  financial  assistance 
of  Messrs.  Dr.  0.  N.  Orlow  and  J.  P.  Chamber- 
lain all  anxieties  of  the  future  were  removed. 
With  sufficient  funds  at  command,  it  was  pos- 
sible to  fully  realize  all  plans,  as  designed.  With 
a  set  plan  in  view,  a  careful  study  of  the  prob- 
lem found  expression  in  many  typewritten  sheets 
of  valuable  data  and  matters  of  policy.  Under 
the  different  headings,  as  for  instance,  list  of 
outfit,  of  implements,  of  utensils,  of  medicines, 
of  food,  etc.,  a  vast  number  of  indispensable 
necessities  were  remembered  and  utilized.  As, 
for  example: 

LIST  OF  OUTFIT. 

1.  Kaki  hat. 

2.  Overalls. 

3.  2  Black  sateen  shirts. 

4.  Shoes  (oiled  and  hobbed  nailed). 

5.  3  Pairs  of  socks. 

6.  2  Suits  of  underwear. 

7.  Knife,  fork,  spoon,  cup,  and  3  plates. 

8.  Toothbrush  and  comb. 

9.  3  Towels  and  soap. 

10.  Sleeping  bag;  2  or  3  blankets. 

11.  Writing  material. 

12.  Sewing  outfit. 

13.  Outfit  bag. 

14.  Handkerchiefs. 

15.  Looking  glass. 

16.  Club  sweater. 

17.  Pocket  knife. 

LIST   OF  IMPLEMENTS. 

1.  Shovels. 

2.  Hammers. 

3.  Rakes. 

4.  Hoes. 


5.  Axes  (large  and  small). 

6.  Picks. 

7.  Wheelbarrow. 

8.  Nails  (all  sizes). 

9.  Hooks. 

10.  Trowels. 

11.  Hose. 

12.  Rope  (various  sizes). 

13.  Scythe. 

14.  Saws. 

15.  Planes. 

16.  Squares. 

17.  Incidentals. 

By  the  aid  of  these  memorandums,  we  were 
prepared  to  meet  the  ordinary  exigencies  of  the 
camp.  Arrangements  were  made  with  whole- 
sale business  firms,  for  purchasing  the  groceries, 
tools,  tents,  and  other  necessary  articles.  Thus 
being  organized,  the  questions  of  state  were  be- 
ing transacted  weeks  previous,  as  demonstrated 
in  the  records  of  the  Republic. 

Strange  to  remark,  the  parent  to  this  idea, 
namely  the  George  Junior  Republic  was  un- 
known to  the  younger  generation,  until  an  arti- 
cle appeared  in  a  morning  paper  about  the  camp 
at  Vacaville,  comparing  the  two  experiments. 
Many  people  know  or  have  heard  of  the  George 
Junior  Republic,  therefore  it  is  unnecessary  to 
go  into  details.  A  short  review  of  its  aims  is, 
however,  of  interest.  The  George  Junior  Re- 
public, founded  by  William  Reuben  George,  in 
the  year  1890,  was  situated  near  his  home  at 
Freeville,  in  the  very  heart  of  the  State  of  New 
York.  It  was  while  working  among  the  poor, 
that  Mr.  George  was  deeply  impressed  with  the 
absolute  need  of  sending  the  children  of  the 
dirty  and  squalid  streets  of  the  slums,  into  the 
healthful  and  invigorating  country.  The  coun- 
try has  been  recognized  as  a  promoter  of  good 


morals  and  decent  living.  The  fundamental 
principle  upon  which  the  Republic  was  based  is, 
" Nothing  without  labor."  The  most  interesting 
feature  is  their  system  of  punishment.  Courts, 
judges  and  police  comprise  this  department. 
The  membership,  especially  during  the  summer 
months,  numbers  in  the  hundreds,  but  many  lin- 
ger throughout  the  year.  It  has  become  a  per- 
manent organization.  The  citizens,  generally 
dependents  or  waifs  of  the  streets,  are  finally 
equipped  with  a  knowledge  of  things  and  of  a 
sense  of  right  and  wrong. 

THE  CAMP. 

The  State  of  Columbia  was  situated  near  Glen- 
wood,  Santa  Cruz  County,  in  the  very  heart  of 
the  Santa  Cruz  Mountains.  The  ground  se- 
lected, kindly  loaned  by  Dr.  0.  N.  Orlow,  was  a 
large,  open  piece  of  land,  covered  with  trees  and 
a  thick  growth  of  underbrush.  This  spot  was 
cleared  of  its  undergrowth  and  watered  by  the 
boys,  who  worked  under  an  intense  summer's 
heat.  No  other  spot  available  could  be  found 
under  the  shade  of  trees,  for  it  was  necessary  to 
have  an  open  space,  in  order  to  build  a  real  col- 
ony with  its  streets  and  public  buildings.  The 
ground  plan  was  designed  by  a  draughtsman,  af- 
ter being  surveyed  and  laid  out  in  regular  mu- 
nicipal form.  The  general  plan  was  success- 
fully carried  out,  except  where  existing  circum- 
stances made  it  necessary  to  alter  matters,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  constructions  of  streets. 

A  unified  appearance  and  dignity  was  thus 
afforded  the  camp.  In  the  center  of  the  village 
v/as  Peixotto's  Plaza,  a  large  level  spot,  where 
the  camp-fires  blazed  nightly.  On  one  side  was 
"Washington  Street,  on  another  Lincoln  Boule- 
vard, on  the  third  Grant  Street,  on  the  fourth 
McKinley  Avenue,  whilst  a  series  of  serpentine 
streets  met  at  this  central  point.  The  Capitol 


and  White  House  faced  the  trumphal  arch,  sit- 
uated on  Dewey's  Roadway.  Flag  poles  were 
erected  at  different  points  about  the  camp,  and 
perhaps  an  explanation  of  their  significance 
may  be  proper  at  this  moment.  The  flag  situ- 
ated in  the  center  of  Peixotto's  Plaza  was  the 
scene  of  dress  parade  ceremonies,  when  in  the 
early  mornings  and  evenings  the  stars  and 
stripes  were  raised  and  lowered  with  due  respect 
and  ceremony.  The  flag  waving  majestically 
before  the  Capitol  was  the  national  colors  of  the 
State,  while  the  other  two  pennants  were  placed 
on  prominent  points  near  the  camp,  commanding 
a  most  splendid  view  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. Facing  Peixotto's  Plaza,  a  large,  substan- 
tial stage  was  erected  against  a  beautiful  green 
background  of  a  group  of  small  redwood  trees. 
Off  towards  the  left,  a  large,  open-air  cookery 
was  constructed.  North  of  this,  for  about  forty 
paces,  four  long  tables  were  placed  under  a 
large  overhanging  tree.  The  play-grounds, 
swimming-hole,  and  the  industrial  factory  were 
all  situated  outside  of  the  limits  of  the  city 
proper. 

ORGANIZATION   OF   THE    STATE   OF    COLUMBIA;    THE 

CONSTITUTION  AND  THE  PROPOSED  ORDER 

OF   DAILY   LIFE. 

The  constitution  was  the  supreme  law  of  the 
land,  for  herein  was  described  the  whole  system 
of  governmental  machinery. 

CONSTITUTION  OF  STATE  OF  COLUMBIA,  GLENWOOD, 
CAL. 

"We,  the  citizens  of  the  State  of  Columbia,  in 
order  to  form  an  ideal  camp,  to  establish  order, 
to  ensure  good  fellowship,  and  provide  for  a 
common  employment,  to  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  happiness  and  secure  to  the  citi- 
zens the  benefits  of  a  summer's  outing  and  the 


blessings  of  a  well-regulated,  harmonious  and 
peaceful  Republic,  do  ordain  and  establish  this 
constitution  for  this  State  of  Columbia  of  the 
Columbia  Park  Boys'  Club. 

ARTICLE  I. 

LEGISLATIVE    DEPARTMENT. 

SECTION  1.  The  legislative  department  of  the 
State  of  Columbia  shall  consist  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  and  the  Senate.  All  legislative 
powers  herein  defined  shall  be  vested  in  these 
two  bodies,  which  shall  compose  Congress. 

SEC.  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall 
consist  of  seven  members  elected  for  a  term  of 
four  weeks.  The  members  shall  be  elected  by  a 
direct  vote  of  the  citizens. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose 
their  speaker  and  other  necessary  officers. 

No  person  shall  be  a  representative  who  is  not 
a  member  in  good  standing  as  a  citizen  or  who 
has  failed  to  conform  to  the  standards  of  good 
membership  in  the  Columbia  Park  Boys'  Club. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  meet  every 
Monday  of  each  week  at  7  a.  m. 

SEC.  3.  The  Senate  of  the  State  of  Columbia 
shall  consist  of  four  members  elected  by  a  direct 
vote  of  the  citizens.  They  shall  be  chosen  for 
the  term  of  four  weeks. 

The  Senate  shall  elect  their  necessary  officers. 
The  presiding  officer  shall  be  the  vice-president. 

The  qualification  shall  be  the  same  as  those  of 
a  representative.  The  Senate  shall  meet  every 
Friday  at  seven  in  the  morning. 

SEC.  4.  The  power  for  amending  the  Consti- 
tution shall  be  vested  in  the  Congress  and  the 
Executive.  Both  houses  and  the  Executive  shall 
assemble  together  every  Wednesday  at  7  a.  m. 

The  laws  of  procedure  governing  the  meetings 
shall  be  Robert's  Rules  of  Parliamentary  Law. 


Both  houses  may  initiate  laws  that  become  legal 
on  the  official  sanction  of  the  President.  The 
laws  must  be  directed  towards  the  well-being, 
pleasure,  health  and  interest  of  the  State. 

ARTICLE   II. 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT. 

SECTION  1.  The  chief  magistrate  is  the  Pres- 
ident, elected  by  the  popular  vote  of  the  citizens. 
He  shall  appoint  a  cabinet  of  three,  Secretary 
of  State,  Secretary  of  the  Interior  and  Secretary 
of  Industries. 

SEC.  2.  The  President  has  entire  administra- 
tive direction  of  the  camp. 

SEC.  3.  There  shall  be  a  Vice-President  whose 
duties  shall  include  presiding  over  the  Senate 
and  such  additional  duties  as  the  President  shall 
depute  to  him. 

ARTICLE  III. 

JUDICIARY   DEPARTMENT. 

This  branch  of  modern  government  is  abol- 
ished as  there  is  no  need  for  courts  or  police  for 
an  ideal  body  politic  such  as  this,  where  order 
and  loyalty  are  inherent  and  requisite  qualities 
of  the  citizens. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

FINANCES. 

A  State  Bank  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Treasurer,  appointed  by  the  President,  shall  be 
created  as  a  national  depository  of  the  State's 
currency.  Taxes  shall  be  levied  to  meet  the 
necessary  expenditures  of  the  camp. 

ARTICLE  V. 

COMMITTEES. 

The  machinery  of  government  shall  be  per- 
formed by  the  following  committees:  Committee 
on  Streets,  Committee  on  Buildings,  and  Board 


of  Health,  Commissary  Department,  Indoor 
Pastimes  and  Outdoor  Pastimes. 

The  duties  of  the  above-mentioned  bodies  are 
as  follows: 

Committee  on  Streets — To  water,  to  clean,  to 
construct  and  to  supervise  the  grounds  of  the 
State. 

Committee  on  Buildings — To  erect,  fix  and  re- 
pair Public  Buildings. 

Committee  on  Health — To  clean  and  take  care 
of  the  State's  property. 

Committee  on  Indoor  Entertainment — To  ar- 
range, prepare,  and  manage  the  program  and 
selection  of  entertainments. 

Committee  on  Outdoor  Pastimes — To  arrange, 
to  institute  and  superintend  the  sports,  games 
and  pastimes. 

Committee  on  Commissary — To  assist  the  cook, 
to  arrange  the  tables,  and  take  care  of  the  sup- 
plies, etc. 

These  committees  shall  be  appointed  by  a  dele- 
gate representing  the  people,  in  conjunction  with 
the  President. 

Each  citizen  is  held  responsible  for  the  per- 
formance of  his  prescribed  duties.  Each  com- 
mittee shall  elect  its  own  chairman,  who  shall 
direct  and  supervise  the  work  of  his  special  com- 
mittee. 

All  committees  shall  meet  weekly. 

TRADES   AND   PROFESSIONS. 

All  citizens  are  obliged  to  work.  The  citizens 
shall,  in  the  performance  of  their  respective  em- 
ployments, aim  to  attain  perfection. 

PLAN  OF  THE  STATE. 

The  institutions  and  outline  of  the  Republic 
shall  conform  as  near  as  possible  to  the  design  of 
the  State  architect. 


CIVIL  LAWS  OF  COLUMBIA. 

Every  one  signing  his  name  to  the  Constitu- 
tion before  two  citizens,  becomes  a  recognized 
and  full-fledged  member  of  the  State. 

Duties  of  a  citizen  are  as  follows : 

Each  citizen  shall  actively  participate  in  the 
establishment  of  a  law-making  and  a  law- 
enforcing  community. 

Every  boy  pledges  himself  to  do  a  certain 
amount  of  work,  a  minimum  standard  being  set, 
and  to  render  proper  services  to  the  common- 
wealth. 

Every  citizen  shall  be  a  member  of  at  least  one 
committee. 

The  citizens  must  be  responsible  for  good  be- 
havior and  obedience  to  the  laws  governing  the 
community.  Each  is  required  to  promote  the 
peace,  happiness  and  well-being. 

Every  member  shall  be  a  member  of  the  State 
militia,  no  standing  army  being  maintained. 

A  mess-leader  shall  be  at  the  head  of  each 
table  with  his  waiters. 

Every  boy  must  wash  and  clean  his  own  dishes 
and  property.  The  boys  must  recognize  and 
obey  the  authority  of  a  head.  Throughout  the 
working  hours,  citizens  should  work  steadily  and 
honestly.  As  the  success  of  the  camp  depends 
upon  the  members  for  mutual  assistance  and 
harmonious  spirit,  every  boy  should  preserve  and 
raise  his  voice  to  say, 

"Long  live  the  State  of  Columbia!" 

WEEKLY  PROGRAM. 

Evenings — The  several  evenings  shall  be  de- 
voted to  a  special  program. 

Monday  evening  shall  be  amateur  night.  An 
entertainment,  talks,  or  stories  exclusively  by 
members. 


Tuesday  evening  shall  be  devoted  to  games 
and  recreation. 

Wednesday  evening  shall  be  the  meeting  of 
the  Columbia  Park  Boys'  Club  on  summer  out- 
ing. The  President  shall  preside.  Reports  of 
committees,  discussions  of  State  affairs,  address 
of  President,  etc.,  shall  be  the  regular  order  of 
procedure. 

Thursday  evening  shall  be  given  up  to  indoor 
games,  debates,  mock-trials,  or  any  other  selec- 
tion deemed  proper. 

Friday  evening  shall  be  devoted  to  a  rehearsal 
for  the  grand  weekly  entertainment  which  takes 
place  on  Saturday  night. 

Day  Program — The  order  and  routine  of  the 
camp  shall  be  as  follows: 

4:45  a.  m.     First  bugle  call. 

5:15  a.  m.  Every  boy  must  be  dressed, 
washed  and  have  prepared  his 
berth. 

5:30  a.  m.  Every  boy's  place  at  he  table 
must  have  its  plate,  cup,  etc. 
Second  bugle  signifies  "Assem- 
ble at  table  for  breakfast." 

7:00  a.  m.     Bugle  for  meetings. 

8:00  a.  m.    Day's  work  begins. 
12:00  noon.     Dinner. 

5 :00  p.  m.     Quit  work. 

5 :00  to  6 :00  p.  m.     Bathing. 

6:00  p.  m.    Dress  parade. 

6:05  p.  m.     Supper. 

7:30  p.  m.    Assemble  in  camp. 

8:30  p.  m.     Taps. 

9:00  p.  m.    Lights  out. 

THE    ACTUAL    WORKING    OF     THE     GOVERNMENTAL 
MACHINERY. 

The  daily  program  was  carried  to  a  success- 
ful end,  except  that  the  hours  were  changed,  for 
4:45  a.  m.  was  found  to  be  rather  early  for 


these  healthy  and  active  boys.  Only  growing 
boys,  who  have  worked  hard,  know  what  deep, 
sound  sleep  is  like.  The  daily  conduct  of  the 
citizens  was  under  the  strictest  military  disci- 
pline. The  boys  were  awakened  from  their 
peaceful  slumbers  at  5:30,  by  the  sharp  note 
of  the  bugle.  Dressed,  washed,  berth  arranged, 
the  second  bugle  assembled  the  boys  on  Piex- 
otto's  Plaza,  when  the  national  emblem — the 
stars  and  stripes — was  raised  with  due  respect 
and  ceremony.  Another  bugle  blast,  the  boys 
were  divided  in  their  respective  groups,  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  their  different  tables,  when 
under  the  leadership  of  a  competent  instructor, 
a  quarter  of  an  hour  was  devoted  to  a  lesson  in 
setting-up  exercises.  In  the  meantime,  the  boys 
having  placed  their  plates  on  the  tables,  the  wait- 
ers proceeded  to  do  justice,  by  filling  them  to 
the  very  brim.  At  a  given  signal,  the  boys 
marched  to  their  particular  tables,  in  sections  as 
grouped,  and  promptly  commenced  to  satisfy 
their  enormous  appetites.  No  one  can  realize 
what  an  enormous  appetite  a  growing  boy  has, 
until  he  or  she  has  attempted  to  feed  fifty.  It 
seems  the  country  air  does  a  great  deal  towards 
enlarging  the  expansion  of  their  stomachs. 
Most  of  these  boys  were  liberal  expansionists. 
Method  and  order  ruled  this  feature  of  the 
camp.  When  a  boy  had  finished,  he  handed  his 
plate  to  the  waiter,  who  goes  to  the  head  of  his 
table,  where  two  boys,  equipped  with  ladles  and 
forks,  are  kept  busy  filling  the  many  plates  to 
be  refilled.  Breakfast  over,  the  boys  proceeded 
to  wash  their  own  dishes,  so  by  this  rule  the  bug- 
bear of  a  big  washing  three  times  a  day  was  elim- 
inated. Everything  in  order,  after  an  hour's 
play,  the  citizens  congregated  into  groups  ac- 
cording to  committees,  and  proceeded  to  work 
about  camp  until  8:30  o'clock,  when  they  were 


again  assembled  to  go  to  their  different  occupa- 
tions. At  11 :30  a.  m.  work  ceased,  and  the  boys 
were  again  called  to  camp,  to  listen  to  the  read- 
ing of  the  laws,  passed  by  Congress,  or  to  other 
necessary  announcements.  At  noon,  lunch  pro- 
ceeded under  the  same  routine  as  in  the  morn- 
ing. Between  the  hours  of  eleven  and  two,  the 
time  was  taken  up  by  the  citizens,  in  playing 
games,  swimming,  washing,  sewing,  etc.  Two 
o'clock  found  the  boys  back  to  their  places  at 
the  factory,  or  on  the  hill,  cutting  down  trees. 
The  camp  soon  becomes  deserted,  except  for  the 
younger  boys,  who  were  occupied  with  duties 
about  camp. 

At  five  o'clock  the  bugle  to  stop  work  was  met 
with  a  shout  of  welcome  by  the  citizens,  and  soon 
the  camp  became  a  swarming  bee-hive  of  boys, 
playing,  talking  and  laughing.  Some  proceeded 
to  wash,  others  to  mend  their  clothes,  some  gath- 
ered around  the  bulletin  board  to  read  the  daily 
instructions,  while  a  few  were  occupied  with 
their  camp  duties.  A  blast  of  the  bugles  and 
the  roll  of  the  drums  assembled  the  citizens  to- 
gether again  for  dress  parade,  when  the  duty  of 
hauling  down  the  flag  took  place.  Before  this 
ceremony,  a  quarter  of  an  hour  was  given  up 
to  drill. 

Dinner  over,  the  citizens,  if  free  from  camp 
duties,  were  allowed  to  take  a  walk,  or  do  as  they 
pleased,  until  the  bugle  announced  the  com- 
mencement of  the  evening's  performance.  This 
lasted  until,  after  a  rousing  club  yell,  the  boys 
dispersed  to  their  tents.  The  dear  old  Colum- 
bia Park  yell— C-0-L-U-M-B-I-A,  Hip  Hip  Hoo- 
ray— re-echoed  among  the  distant  mountains. 
As  the  last  sweet  note  of  the  trumpet  flowed 
away  into  the  dark  silence  of  the  night,  the  many 
lights  were  extinguished,  and  a  deep  stillness 
ensued.  Sunday  was  the  day  of  rest  and 


leisure.  Occasionally,  afternoons  were  spent  in 
cross-country  walks  and  sham  battles.  The  boys 
loved  to  gather  around  the  camp-fire  in  the  long 
evenings  and  listen  to  thrilling  tales  of  hair- 
breadth escapes,  ghost  stories,  exploits  of  boy- 
ish adventures,  and  the  blood-thirsty  tales  of  In- 
dian fights.  Round  games  were  then  played  un- 
til taps  signified  the  bed  hour. 

Some  of  the  fun  of  club  life  was  transferred 
to  the  camp.  On  Monday  night  the  boys  donned 
costumes  and  masks  brought  from  the  club's 
wardrobe,  and  had  impromptu  theatricals. 
Wednesday  evening,  meetings  were  conducted 
under  strict  parlimentary  rules.  The  interest 
and  seriousness  of  the  members  were  manifested 
in  the  heated  discussions  and  enthusiastic 
speeches  that  followed.  One  time  is  especially 
remembered,  when,  after  a  heated  debate  it  was 
finally  decided  by  a  rising  vote,  that  every  boy 
should  be  allowed  to  spend  thirty-five  cents  on 
fire  crackers.  This  was  during  the  first  of  July. 
Saturday  evening  entertainments  were  appre- 
ciated by  the  audience,  that  came  in  buggies  and 
wagons  from  miles  around,  to  witness  these 
weekly  performances.  At  these  picturesque  out- 
of-door  shows,  many  talented  and  well-trained 
boys  furnished  the  numbers  of  the  program, 
which  consisted  of  recitations,  musical  selections, 
solo  and  choral  numbers,  as  well  as  short  orig- 
inal club  "plays."  Admission  fee  was  strictly 
refused  many  times.  The  people  were  well 
pleased,  and  these  theatricals  became  the  talk  of 
the  country.  A  large  stage  equipped  with 
necessary  paraphernalia  was  erected  for  this 
purpose.  Seats  were  placed  in  the  center  of  the 
large  plaza  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  camp, 
where  the  big  camp-fires  burned  brightly  every 
night. 

The    system    of    committees    worked    like    a 


charm,  the  citizens  having  manfully  performed 
their  camp  duties  like  brave  young  soldiers. 
With  pluck  and  endurance,  these  lads  overcame 
all  obstacles,  and  established  a  government  of 
their  own.  They  built  streets,  fences,  rustic 
seats,  tables,  benches,  swimming-hole,  etc.,  gen- 
erally from  the  trees  felled  by  their  own  axes. 
It  seemed  at  times,  as  if  the  uppermost  thought 
with  the  boys  was  all  work  and  no  pleasure,  as 
shown  in  the  records  of  the  meeting  of  the  Com- 
missary Committee.  The  following  extract  is 
from  a  meeting  of  above  committee: 

"The  motion  made  and  seconded  in  the  for- 
mer meeting,  'That  the  citizen  of  the  Commis- 
sary should  not  work  during  play-time,'  was 
brought  before  the  House  of  Representatives 
and  was  lost." 

A  specimen  of  committee  work  is  seen  in  the 
minutes  of  the  meetings  of  the  following  com- 
mittees : 

Building  Committee — A  motion  was  made 
and  seconded  to  send  a  communication  to  Health 
Committee,  to  find  a  place  suitable  for  new  lav- 
atories. It  was  carried." 

Out-Door  Committee — "  Committeeinan  Jescke 
was  instructed  to  get  up  a  tournament  between 
the  different  tents  and  between  the  Optimus  and 
Maximus  parties." 

Street  Committee — "  Chairman  Jorss  ar- 
ranged the  boys  as  to  their  various  duties.  Ten- 
nebaum  and  Vetter  to  sprinkle  all  of  the  camp, 
including  the  plaza  and  steps.  Buck  and  Davis 
to  clean  streets.  Glynn,  Merritt,  Tresch  and 
Bob  to  build  and  construct  roads." 

Some  of  the  laws  enacted  by  the  different 
Houses  of  Congress: 

House  of  Representatives — "Leader  of  Physi- 
cal Culture  be  elected  by  popular  vote." 

"Health  Committee  clean  tents  every  day." 


"Road  to  tables  be  watered  before  meals." 
By  Senate — "No  one  to  go  swimming  twice  a 

day  without  permission  of  President  Rogers." 
"Building   Committee   build    stairs    leading 

from  arch." 

"Citizens  borrowing  State  Property  should 
return  it  in  their  own  name,  or  be  prohibited 
from  using  same." 

The  general  rules  and  papers  were  printed  at 
the  club-house,  and  the  new  enactments  arising 
out  of  the  necessities  of  the  Republic  were  posted 
in  the  bulletin-board.  During  the  day  every 
rule  and  law  was  strictly  observed,  as  far  as  per- 
mitted by  circumstances.  The  life  of  the  citizen 
was  under  the  strictest  discipline,  the  laws  being 
transacted  with  exact  precision  and  despatch. 

Isolated  from  human  life,  because  of  its  sep- 
aration from  town  and  people,  it  became  a  gov- 
ernment, with  its  citizens,  quietly  living  to- 
gether, transacting  their  affairs  of  State,  which 
thereby  assumed  the  true  dignity  and  tone  of  a 
law-making  and  law-enforcing  community.  The 
scene  in  front  of  the  Capitol  was  a  sight  long  to 
be  remembered.  The  bearing  of  congressmen 
and  statesmen  was  observed  in  the  boys  when 
they  set  about  the  management  of  some  impor- 
tant affair.  An  earnest  preseverance  and  loy- 
alty was  shown  by  the  citizens,  in  the  conduct  of 
their  duties.  There  was  no  grumbling  about  it, 
even  though  in  the  division  of  responsibilities 
some  boys  were  given  more  work  than  others  to 
do.  Amusement  and  pleasure  thrived.  Coun- 
try walks,  sham  battles,  tournaments,  round 
games,  baseball,  etc.,  were  all  entered  into  with 
an  earnest  and  cheerful  spirit,  pervading  the 
camp  life  with  joy  and  happiness. 

One  of  the  incidents  of  camp  life  was  the  cele- 
bration of  Fourth  of  July.  The  following  is 


an  extract  from  the  Secretary  of  State's  diary 
in  reference  to  this  affair: 

"To  Santa  Cruz  on  wagons;  drilled  in  morn- 
ing in  parade,  went  in  swimming  in  surf ;  in  af- 
ternoon took  part  in  'horrible's'  parade;  in  af- 
ternoon several  boys  went  in  races  at  ball 
grounds  and  won  prizes ;  returned  home  at  about 
12:30  p.  m." 

The  following  citation  also  illustrates  another 
incident  of  life  within  the  Republic. 

"Arch  completed,  road  to  arch  also  finished, 
stage  built,  boys  in  bead  work  commenced  to- 
day, swimming,  flag  near  capitol  erected,  morn- 
ing and  evening  nice,  noon  rather  hot.  All  are 
having  lots  of. fun." 

These  boys  did  not  go  as  a  lawless,  rough 
group,  bent  upon  having  a  good  time,  but  in- 
stead; as  a  trained  and  earnest  body  of  boys,  to 
form  a  law-abiding  community.  In  their  par- 
liamentary bodies,  in  their  elections  or  daily 
duties,  these  susceptible  and  plastic  youths  were 
grasping  the  first  seeds  of  organization  and  self- 
government.  They  felt  the  love  of  independ- 
ence and  freedom  that  carries  with  it  the  bur- 
dens and  responsibilities  of  citizenship.  These 
boys  went  trained  and  equipped,  for  they  un- 
derstood the  value  of  law  and  order ;  they  knew 
how  to  be  obedient  to  established  authority. 
They  were  learned  in  parliamentary  usages,  so 
they  were  promising  material.  This  experiment 
was  not  a  matter  of  playing  or  practicing  the 
part,  but  instead  that  of  living  the  life  for  a 
month  of  a  true  citizen. 

ECONOMIC  ASPECTS. 

The  camp  food  was  a  simple  diet,  staple, 
wholesome,  and  good,  a  few  luxuries  or  dainties 
being  part  of  the  menu.  The  foods  were  bought 
in  large  quantities,  this  being  the  major  expense 


of  the  camp.     The    general    daily  menu,  with 
some  variations,  was  as  follows: 

Monday. 

B.— Mush;  Toast;  Coffee. 
L. — Beans;  Corn-Bread;  Coffee. 
D— Pudding;  Bread;  Fruit;  Tea. 

Tuesday. 

B. — Pancakes;  Coffee. 
L. — Stew;  Crackers;  Coffee. 
J>. — Maccaroni;  Fruit;  Bread;  Tea. 

Wednesday. 

B. — Mush;  Crackers;  Coffee. 
L. — Beans;  Vegetables;  Tea. 
D. — Codfish;  Cake;  Ice-Cream. 

Thursday. 

B. — Rice;  Bread;  Coffee. 
L. — Maccaroni ;  Potatoes ;  Coffee. 
D.— Oysters;  Fruit;  Tea. 

Friday. 

B. — Pancakes ;  Chocolate. 
L. — Salmon;  Vegetables;  Tea. 
D. — Maccaroni;  Cake;  Coffee. 

Saturday. 

B.— Mush;  Coffee;  Bread. 
L. — Beans;  Bread;  Tea. 
D.— Pudding;  Fruit;  Coffee. 

Sunday. 

B. — Pancakes ;  Chocolate. 
L. — Meat;    Vegetables;    Mixed   Cakes;    Ice- 

Cream. 

D. — Oysters;  Crackers;  Tea. 
An  ideal  open-air  kitchen  was  hailed  with  de- 
light on  its  completion.  An  excellent  cooking 
oven,  perfectly  suitable  for  the  purposes,  was 
constructed,  besides  all  the  essential  shelves,  par- 
titions, tables,  etc.,  helpful  to  the  hired  cook. 


The  cook,  with  the  aid  of  the  Commissary  Com- 
mittee managed  very  well  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  citizens.  The  main  thought  was,  a  few 
staple  foods,  but  plenty  of  them.  The  method 
of  serving  was  conducted  with  order.  Each 
table  had  a  waiter,  whose  duty  was  to  take  a 
plate  offered  to  him,  to  the  front  of  the  tables, 
where  two  boys  were  dishing  out  the  food  from 
large,  steaming  vessels.  As  each  table  finished, 
the  citizens  were  dismissed.  This  avoided  the 
kicking  up  of  the  dust  and  confusion  in  the  rush 
to  wash  dishes.  The  waiters,  with  the  Presi- 
dent, ate  after  the  others. 

The  boys'  outfit  was  plain,  but  comfortable, 
consisting  of  only  the  absolute  necessities,  as 
seen  in  the  list  on  previous  pages.  The  state 
uniform  consisted  of  a  brown  kaki  hat,  a  black 
sateen  shirt,  brown  overalls  and  leggings.  This 
national  dress  created  within  the  citizens  a  civic 
pride,  giving  one  an  impression  of  order  and  or- 
ganization to  the  Republic. 

The  boys  were  housed  in  large,  ample  tents, 
having  been  divided  into  groups  of  six,  under 
the  leadership  of  a  tent-master,  who  was  held 
responsible  for  the  behavior  and  cleanliness  of 
his  respective  tent.  A  spirited  competition  for 
the  best  tent — the  points  being  arrangement,  be- 
havior, etc. — fostered  a  friendly  rivalry  among 
the  boys,  which  resulted  in  a  general  care  and 
neatness  of  the  different  tents.  These  were 
equally  divided  on  each  side  of  the  large  plaza, 
into  the  Optimus  and  Maximus  parties.  "We 
could  not  afford  to  have  a  mix-up  in  politics,  as 
this  was  an  ideal  Republic,  so,  instead  of  Repub- 
lican and  Democrat  being  the  titles  of  the  po- 
litical parties,  the  names  Optimus  and  Maximus 
were  substituted.  The  tents  were  cleaned  and 
aired  daily,  this  being  part  of  the  Health  Com- 
mittee's duties.  A  hospital  tent,  under  the 


supervision  of  the  State  Doctor,  an  older  boy, 
was  provided  with  complete  medicinal  supplies 
for  ordinary  indispositions.  Homesickness  and 
poison-oak  were  the  only  ailments.  A  visitor's 
tent,  furnished  with  two  beds  and  necessary 
furniture,  was  in  frequent  use  from  visiting 
parents,  who  stayed  over  night.  Mothers  were 
anxious  to  understand  the  secret  of  managing 
fifty  boys,  especially  how  her  son  John  ever  hap- 
pened to  wash  his  own  face  or  mend  his  clothes. 
It  was  a  victory  for  the  boys,  for  it  proved  that 
they  could  do  things,  if  rightly  directed  and  en- 
couraged. Each  tent  had  two  lanterns  for  light- 
ing facilities. 

The  boys  were  occupied  from  the  hours  of 
8 :30  a.  m.  to  11  a.  m.  and  from  2  p.  m.  to  4  -.30 
p.  m.,  in  making  Indian  bead  belts  and  rustic 
flower  baskets,  while  another  group  was  cour- 
ageously clearing  the  side  of  a  large  hill  of  its 
trees  and  undergrowth.  The  industrial  activi- 
ties were  highly  successful.  An  ideal  factory 
was  constructed,  with  all  the  necessary  benches 
and  appurtenances.  The  sale  of  the  belts  and 
baskets  also  assisted  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  camp.  At  the  present  moment,  there  exists 
a  rage  for  Indian  bead  belts  everywhere.  It  is 
the  fashion  in  Europe,  while  in  this  country  it 
has  become  a  fad.  The  prices  for  an  ordinary 
bead  belt  ranges  from  two  to  four  dollars  apiece. 
The  boys  managed  to  produce  about  one  hundred 
belts. 

The  results  of  this  work  was  most  gratifying, 
as  shown  in  the  beautiful,  well-made  .belts.  The 
price  of  the  belt  depends,  to  a  large  extent  upon 
its  design  and  artistic  coloring.  The  aesthetic 
impression  derived  from  the  handling  of  the 
many  beautiful  colored  belts,  inculcated  in  the 
citizens  an  artistic  taste  for  the  beautiful.  They 
soon  learned  to  discriminate  between  the  real 


and  superficial  colors.  It  is  still  a  question 
whether  or  not  this  occupation  was  suitable  work 
for  the  boys.  In  the  first  place,  it  is  girl's  work, 
pure  and  simple.  In  the  second  place,  the  oc- 
casion was  not  work,  but  a  summer's  vacation, 
with  the  problem  of  establishing  a  Republic, 
which,  in  itself,  is  worthy  of  constant  thought 
and  energy.  Again,  the  boys  worked  under 
many  trying  conditions,  for  the  work  demands 
a  skilled  person  with  patience.  This  latter  qual- 
ity is  seldom  found  in  boys.  Again,  the  work 
is  slow  and  tedious,  exacting  extreme  accuracy 
and  thought.  The  intense  heat  of  the  sun,  the 
country,  as  an  inappropriate  place  for  this  fine 
art,  and  the  character  of  the  work,  were  draw- 
backs, that  the  boys  surmounted.  Of  course, 
there  is  the  other  side.  These  industrial  ener- 
gies gave  a  tone  of  permanency  and  realness  to 
the  whole  experiment.  It  kept  the  boys  inter- 
ested, and  occupied  for  a  few  hours  every  day. 
In  a  way  the  boys,  by  this  means,  were  self- 
supporting.  They  learned  many  good  habits, 
such  as  neatness,  patience,  accuracy,  endurance, 
etc.  It  had,  no  doubt,  its  educational  value  as 
a  manual  training  occupation.  And  lastly,  this 
was  not  a  trip  founded  to  have  a  good  time  and 
nothing  to  do,  but  instead  its  cardinal  principles 
were  labor  first  and  pleasure  afterwards.  Its 
object  was  to  create  something  real.  It  seems  at 
times  as  if  the  boys  forgot  how  to  play  in  their 
intense  desire  of  creating  a  real  Republic,  not 
in  name  only,  but  in  fact. 

The  citizens  were  all  members  of  the  Colum- 
bia Park  Boys'  Club,  recruited  from  the  imme- 
diate neighborhood  of  that  organization.  They 
were  fifty  in  number,  ranging  between  the  ages 
of  ten  and  eighteen.  All  attended  the  public 
schools.  Their  power  of  endurance  was  dem- 
onstrated in  the  work  accomplished;  their  en- 


ergy  was  shown  in  the  creation  of  the  State  of 
Columbia ;  their  obedience  is  manifested  in  their 
laws  and  conduct ;  the  prevailing  spirit  of  good- 
fellowship  was  expressed  in  the  unity  and 
strength  of  the  camp.  This  Junior  Eepublic  of 
which  I  write,  was  neither  a  farce,  a  mere  bur- 
lesque of  the  real;  nor  was  it  a  mere  fancy  or 
idea  of  the  mind,  but  a  successful  reality  proven 
by  a  set  of  determined  and  loyal  boys,  who  went 
to  establish  a  precedent.  A  month  of  self-gov- 
ernment by  young,  intelligent,  active,  American 
boys,  depending  upon  their  own  ability  and 
initiative,  holds  within  lessons  and  pleasures — 
a  storehouse  of  benefits.  These  boys  success- 
fully founded  a  Republic,  controlled  and  regu- 
lated their  immature  community  with  the  same 
spirit  and  intelligence  as  is  manifested  in  larger 
governments.  They  built  a  colony  with  streets 
and  public  buildings,  elected  their  officers,  legis- 
lated and  enforced  laws ;  in  short,  they  instituted 
a  government  "of  the  people,  for  the  people, 
and  by  the  people. ' ' 

Building  upon  the  desire  to  have  an  instruct- 
ive and  unique  camp,  organized  and  systematized, 
the  idea  gave  rise  to  the  thought,  which  was 
finally  realized  in  the  formation  of  both  these 
experiments.  It  is  impossible  to  depict  the  pic- 
turesqueness  and  interest  of  the  camp  life  of 
these  boys,  or  to  tell  of  their  thoughts  and  ac- 
tions, or  the  many  groups  that  gathered  together 
to  play  or  talk.  It  would  be  hopeless  to  at- 
tempt to  relate  the  many  happenings  and  details 
of  this  project.  Let  this  brief  narrative  suffice. 

Many  good  seeds  were  sown  during  these 
months  of  sunshine  by  these  boys,  browned  and 
hardened  by  earnest  toil  and  rational  pleasure. 
Here  was  taught  the  valuable  precept  of  uni- 
versal brotherhood — I  am  my  brother's  keeper — 
the  stronghold  behind  all  the  relationships  and 


friendships  of  humanity.  The  duty  of  the  indi- 
vidual towards  the  welfare  and  common  interest 
of  the  mass  was  deeply  impressed  upon  every 
citizen.  They  realized  the  independence  of  hu- 
man souls  in  this  great  game  of  life.  Responsi- 
bility, co-operation,  and  reciprocal  relationship 
in  common  effort  every  citizen  deeply  felt.  The 
value  of  home  and  the  love  of  the  parent  was 
learned.  In  learning  to  take  care  of  themselves, 
and  how  much  depended  upon  others  for  mutual 
assistance,  the  character  of  their  manhood  was 
touched.  They  learned  the  independent  spirit 
coming  from  self-dependence.  They  learned  to 
be  loyal  to  the  rules  and  laws  of  the  State.  The 
whole  trip  was  a  great  lesson  in  life  for  every 
boy,  for  he  saw  a  large  world,  and  the  true  rela- 
tion he  held  towards  it  and  towards  his  fellow- 
boys  as  brothers.  Truer  and  better  citizens  is 
bound  to  be  the  result,  if  the  good  work  is  kept 
in  progress. 

The  closing  of  school  at  vacation  time  means 
to  many  boys  simply  to  be  put  to  work  or  idle 
away  their  time  on  the  dirty  and  crowded  streets. 
The  street  and  this  idleness  are  the  root  of  much 
evil.  A  summer's  vacation  in  the  country  is 
the  root  of  much  good.  At  Glenwood  those  boys 
were  taught  the  benefits  of  self-control  and  self- 
reliance,  of  simplicity  and  modesty  in  life.  In 
mind  they  developed  larger  conceptions  of  life, 
while  in  body  they  gained  in  health  and  vigor. 
Within  the  past  few  years  the  general  move- 
ment throughout  the  country  towards  the  estab- 
lishment of  summer  vacation  schools  has  greatly 
expanded  in  scope  and  number.  The  valuable 
and  beneficial  results  of  properly  organized  and 
directed  juvenile  summer  camps  have  been  re- 
cently recognized  by  thinking  men  and  women. 
They  are  to  be  considered  in  the  future  as  a 
training  school  for  the  young.  It  can  be  con- 


sidered  as  a  continuation  of  the  school  during 
the  summer  months.  Such  is  the  case  with 
many  schools  in  this  country.  Realizing  the 
many  possibilities  of  summer  camps  the  ques- 
tion naturally  arises,  Why  not  place  these  trips 
above  the  mediocrity  of  mere  outings  and  ele- 
vate them  to  a  standard  that  will  furnish  a  lib- 
eral development  of  the  boy.  A  step  in  this 
direction  may  be  found  in  these  Junior  Repub- 
lic outings,  which  not  only  afford  all  the  pleas- 
ures and  pastimes  of  a  vacation,  but  also  lay 
stress  upon  the  education  of  the  young  during 
those  impressionable  years.  During  the  school 
months  of  vacation  and  leisure  the  youth  must 
be  watched.  The  Columbia  Park  Boys'  Club 
has  opened  the  way.  Let  others  follow. 


OBSERVATIONS  OF  PERSONAL  EXPERIENCE. 

Herein  is  recorded  a  few  personal  suggestions 
for  those  persons  desirous  of  establishing  such 
a  summer's  outing.  The  following  is  a  general 
outline  of  a  few  casual  conclusions  necessary  to 
a  correct  method  in  the  formation  of  a  camp. 
This  short  brief  should  not  be  taken  as  purely 
sound  gospel,  or  as  the  infallible  advice  of  the 
writer,  for  he  fears  contradiction;  but,  instead, 
it  should  be  considered  the  result  of  simply  his 
personal  experiences.  They  may  differ  from 
many  others. 

The  primary  step  necessary  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  camp  is  to  determine  upon  its  char- 
acter, that  is,  whether  or  not  it  is  to  be  a  per- 
manent camp,  a  walking  outing,  or  a  general  ex- 
cursion over  the  country.  Having  ascertained 
its  character,  the  question  of  locality  conse- 
quently engages  attention  next ;  that  is,  whether 
or  not  the  vacation  in  consideration  is  to  be  spent 
by  the  sea,  on  the  plans,  or  in  the  mountains. 
At  this  time  one  must  decide  if  the  time  is  going 
to  be  devoted  to  hunting,  fishing,  recreation,  or 
what  not.  Having  settled  upon  the  particulars 
of  the  trip  in  question,  its  aims  and  functions, 
it  becomes  essential  to  select  the  special  locality 
of  our  summer's  outing.  This  is  most  impor- 
tant. The  location  of  a  camp  must  be  chosen 
with  deep  consideration,  for  a  great  many  fail- 
ures have  resulted  from  the  selection  of  an  un- 
interesting and  ill-adapted  spot.  The  immedi- 
ate country  should  be  attractive  and  suitable  to 
the  tone  of  the  trip  in  mind. 

In  deciding  upon  the  question  of  a  site  for  the 
camp,  many  necessary  points  must  be  studied. 
We  must  ascertain  the  climatic  conditions  of  the 
vicinity,  the  nature  of  the  surrounding  country, 
the  water  and  fuel  supply,  location  of  towns  and 


the  possibilities  of  food  supply.  All  these  things 
must  be  known  beforehand  to  the  person  in 
charge.  A  close  scrutiny  and  knowledge  of  the 
situation  of  the  camp  will  not  only  prepare  one 
to  cope  with  all  the  emergencies  of  camp  life, 
but  will  also  familiarize  him  with  the  actual 
conditions  to  be  met.  With  a  set  ideal  in  mind, 
the  character  and  situation  having  been  selected, 
it  then  becomes  necessary  to  decide  upon  the 
number  and  character  of  the  members  who  are 
to  compose  the  experiment.  The  next  proposi- 
tion to  be  considered  is,  whether  or  not  it  is  to 
be  a  camp  of  girls  or  boys,  men  or  women,  or 
both  sexes  together.  Also,  if  it  is  to  be  inaug- 
urated for  the  dependent  or  the  self-supporting 
person,  for  provisions  and  arrangements  must 
be  made  accordingly.  The  basis  of  support  is 
another  serious  problem  of  consideration.  Suf- 
ficient financial  aid  is  absolutely  essential  to  the 
real  success  of  any  such  enterprise. 

It  is  advisable,  especially  with  the  young,  to 
be  careful  in  your  selection  of  the  members  to 
compose  the  camp  in  embryo.  Always  make  it 
a  point  to  rely  upon  a  few  trusty  and  able  as- 
sistants among  the  boys  or  girls,  whatever  the 
case  may  be.  The  assistance  from  them  is  in- 
calculable, for  they  can  do  much  of  the  detail 
work.  Impose  your  trust  in  them  and  they  will 
faithfully  perform  their  duties.  Give  them  re- 
sponsibilities and  they  will  prove  their  worth. 
Impress  upon  them  the  fact  that  the  success  of 
the  experiment  depends  upon  the  whole  group, 
and  not  any  single  individual.  Make  them  real- 
ize that  the  camp  is  theirs,  not  yours.  They 
must  be  the  creators,  not  you.  The  establish- 
ment of  the  camp  is  the  product  of  combined  ef- 
forts, not  the  result  of  a  personal  wish. 

Preparation  now  becomes  a  vital  necessity. 
Meetings  must  be  held  in  which  all  matters  must 


be  discussed  and  details  arranged.  Having  thus 
far  come  to  a  common  understanding  of  the 
question,  and  having  the  situation  well  in  hand, 
the  subject  of  equipment  necessarily  follows. 
This  feature  of  the  camp  is  most  important,  and 
should  receive  the  most  careful  study.  Partic- 
ular emphasis,  let  it  be  repeated,  should  be  de- 
voted to  this  side  of  the  experiment.  The  equip- 
ment must  be  appropriate,  sufficient,  and 
adapted  for  the  occasion.  The  lack  of  sufficient 
supplies  in  way  of  foodstuffs  and  accessories  in 
the  way  of  implements,  will  greatly  hinder  the 
successful  realization  of  the  project.  Arrange- 
ments settled  in  regard  to  the  supplies,  trans- 
portation, equipment,  etc.,  the  start  is  then 
made,  the  hour  being  chosen  as  to  have  the  party 
arrive  in  camp  during  the  day,  so  that  prep- 
arations for  the  evening  are  possible.  Better 
still  would  be  the  sending  of  a  squad  to  precede 
the  rest,  by  a  few  days,  in  order  to  lay  out  an 
available  plan  for  the  camp,  and  get  everything 
in  readiness. 

The  question  of  administration  now  comes  un- 
der discussion.  No  definite  or  rigid  rule  can  be 
laid  down  for  the  management  of  a  camp.  That 
question  we  must  decide  for  ourselves,  as  it  de- 
pends upon  the  character  of  the  individual  and 
the  circumstances  under  which  he  is  laboring  to 
fully  comprehend  the  method  of  control.  The 
leader  must  be  determined  to  carry  out  the  idea 
set  in  view,  yet  he  must  be  flexible  enough  to 
alter  his  opinions  when  necessity  demands  it. 
He  must  have  a  thorough  understanding  of  the 
members  of  the  camp  and  a  deep  knowledge  of 
the  purposes  of  the  latter.  His  attitude  must 
always  be  congenial  and  obliging.  Beyond  doubt, 
a  summer's  vacation  discloses  the  different  tem- 
perament and  traits  of  character  of  the  individ- 
ual. "We  cannot  hide  ourselves.  Camp  life, 


52 


pure  and  simple,  is  rough  and  perplexing  at 
times.  During  those  moments  of  discourage- 
ment and  failure,  a  happy  and  sweet  disposition 
is  rare. 

Everything  depends  upon  a  good  commence- 
ment. Half  the  victory  is  won  with  a  correct  start. 
In  the  camp  of  which  I  have  written,  it  became 
necessary  to  work  toward  a  well-planned  idea. 
As  regards  the  management  of  the  camp,  in 
reality,  a  great  deal  depends  upon  the  character 
of  the  person  in  charge,  and  the  conditions  of 
affairs  existing.  One  must  be  earnest  and  sin- 
cere in  his  work, — cool,  considerate,  just,  kind, 
and  sympathetic,  yet  firm  and  courageous.  As 
in  all  things,  in  the  final  end  the  man  must  be 
there  to  decide  all  questions. 


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